catchment area — an area from which rainfall flows into a river, reservoir, or drainage system; the area served by a particular school or hospital
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an area from which rainfall flows into a river, reservoir, or drainage system; the area served by a particular school or hospital
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkætʃmənt ˈeriə/
Example Sentences
- My house is just outside the catchment area of the best high school, so now I'm considering moving... or maybe just getting a really long extension cord.
- The catchment area for this river covers over 500 square kilometers.
- Parents often check school catchment areas before buying a house.
catchment area
NOUN[/ˈkætʃmənt ˈeriə/]
an area from which rainfall flows into a river, reservoir, or drainage system; the area served by a particular school or hospital
an area from which rainfall flows into a river, reservoir, or drainage system; the area served by a particular school or hospital
The catchment area serves every apartment with professional detachment!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
A compound term emerging in late 19th-century hydrology, formed from the concept of an area that 'catches' and collects water. Originally used to describe drainage basins in geographical and hydrological contexts, the term has since expanded metaphorically into education, healthcare, and social services to denote zones of influence or service provision.
Breakdown
catch (verb: to capture or collect) + -ment (noun-forming suffix denoting an action or result) + area (noun: a geographical region or zone). The suffix -ment transforms the verb into a noun concept, with 'catchment' literallly meaning 'that which is caught.'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My house is just outside the catchment area of the best high school, so now I'm considering moving... or maybe just getting a really long extension cord.”
“The catchment area for this river covers over 500 square kilometers.”
“Parents often check school catchment areas before buying a house.”
“The hospital serves patients from its designated catchment area.”
📚Related Words
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